Wisconsin’s “ghost towns” aren’t abandoned ruins—they’re haunted hotels where you’ll actually sleep among the spirits. You can book a night at the 1890 Old Rittenhouse Inn overlooking Lake Superior, the gangster-linked Hotel Retlaw in Fond du Lac, or the Victorian Astor House in Green Bay. These historic properties blend luxurious accommodations with genuine paranormal activity, from phantom dancers to mobster spirits. Room rates start around $75, and many offer ghost tours alongside your stay to deepen your supernatural experience.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin offers haunted historic hotels and B&Bs for overnight stays, featuring paranormal activity and preserved Victorian-era architecture.
- Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield provides 20 guest rooms with Lake Superior views in an 1890 Queen Anne Victorian mansion.
- Hotel Retlaw in Fond du Lac features 138 rooms with reported ghost sightings, especially during full moon periods.
- Astor House Bed & Breakfast offers five themed Victorian rooms in an 1888 mansion on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Scofield House in Sturgeon Bay provides Victorian accommodations with reported child spirit activity near downtown attractions.
Old Rittenhouse Inn: Historic Lakeside Hauntings in Bayfield
Perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior in downtown Bayfield, the Old Rittenhouse Inn stands as a seven-colored Victorian jewel that helped transform a sleepy ghost town into Wisconsin’s premier lakeside destination.
Built in 1890 for Civil War General Allen C. Fuller, this Queen Anne mansion showcases stunning historical architecture with native brownstone, creamery brick, and intricate shingles.
A Queen Anne masterpiece of brownstone, brick, and ornate shingles built for a Civil War general in 1890.
You’ll discover 20 guest rooms across two Victorian homes, including tower suites with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces offering breathtaking Apostle Islands views.
The Landmark Restaurant serves gourmet breakfasts and dinners amid Victorian ambiance, featuring a cherry staircase and lake panoramas. Signature dishes include Apple Glazed Pork Roast and Champagne Chicken, prepared from recipes featured in the family’s two published cookbooks. The property’s former ballroom has been transformed into the inn’s most sought-after luxury suite.
Since opening as Wisconsin’s first bed and breakfast in 1975, it’s preserved authentic 1970s hospitality while maintaining its National Register status in Bayfield’s Historic District.
Hotel Retlaw: Prohibition Secrets and Paranormal Activity in Fond Du Lac
Rising from downtown Fond du Lac’s Main Street since 1923, the eight-story Hotel Retlaw commands attention with its red brick Neoclassical Revival facade—a monument to Jazz Age glamour that’s witnessed nearly a century of secrets.
Local folklore whispers of subterranean tunnels where gangsters gathered during Prohibition, while founder Walter Schroeder’s spirit allegedly roams the halls where he met his violent end. Room 717 erupts with unexplained screams and door-kicking, sometimes trapping guests inside during paranormal investigations. Visitors report phantom footsteps echoing through empty corridors and the apparition of a redheaded woman in a white bathrobe who vanishes into walls.
Your overnight adventure includes:
- 138 restored rooms blending 1920s elegance with modern luxury (rates from $109)
- Crystal Ballroom where phantom dancers still waltz
- Cibo Steaks and TruBlu Lounge for fortifying meals between ghost encounters
You’ll walk the same corridors as JFK and Eleanor Roosevelt, chasing spirits through Wisconsin’s most haunted luxury hotel. The hotel’s name spells “Walter” spelled backward, a personal signature from the ambitious hotelier who built an entertainment empire across the Midwest.
Astor House Bed & Breakfast: Victorian Spirits in Green Bay
You’ll find Victorian elegance meets the supernatural at Green Bay’s Astor House Bed & Breakfast, an 1888 stick-style mansion where guests report encountering a mysterious woman in period dress who vanishes without a trace.
This National Register property transforms romantic getaways into paranormal experiences, with the ghost of former resident Dr. Julius Bellin believed to wander the halls of his beautifully restored home.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply seeking a spirited retreat, you can enjoy whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces while potentially sharing the space with residents from another era. The inn offers five themed rooms, each representing a different country, blending international inspiration with historic Victorian architecture. The mansion stands in a neighborhood where Pierre Grignon built Wisconsin’s first grist mill in 1797, anchoring the area’s rich historical legacy that extends back to the earliest days of European settlement.
Historic 1888 Mansion Origins
When local attorney F. Adolph Watermolen built this three-story mansion in 1888, he created what would become one of Green Bay’s most architecturally significant properties. The stick-style Victorian architecture showcases the era’s finest craftsmanship, complete with a crowning cupola and commanding presence at Adams and Mason Streets.
You’ll discover authentic period details that earned the property a Mayor’s Award for historic preservation in 1994 and placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion’s transformation from private residence to bed and breakfast preserved its original character while adding modern comforts. Today, the property operates as Green Bay’s only true bed and breakfast, offering guests an authentic Victorian experience.
What makes this mansion historically significant:
- Dr. Julius J. Bellin, founder of Bellin Hospital, called this home his residence
- The structure represents the Astor Historic District’s golden age of prosperity
- Original Victorian craftsmanship remains intact throughout the property
Vanishing Victorian Woman Sightings
The mansion’s grandeur attracted more than just Green Bay’s elite—it seemingly captured spirits who refuse to leave. While documented accounts focus on Doctor Julius Bellin’s lingering presence, the Astor House’s Victorian-era atmosphere has sparked visitor curiosity about other potential hauntings.
Though specific reports of a spectral Victorian woman remain unverified in historical records, the 1888 mansion’s authentic period details create an environment where you’ll find yourself wondering what shadows move through dimly lit hallways.
The ornate architecture and preserved Victorian furnishings transport you back to an era when supernatural beliefs flourished. Located in the historic district of Green Bay, founded in 1835 by John Jacob Astor, the property reflects the prominence of the area’s financial, industrial, and political leaders. Whether you’re seeking genuine paranormal encounters or simply appreciate staying in atmospheric historic settings, this bed and breakfast offers you an immersive experience where imagination and history intertwine naturally within original Victorian walls.
Romantic Stays With Paranormal
Nestled in Green Bay’s historic Astor District, this 1888 Victorian mansion offers couples an intriguing blend of romantic luxury and spectral intrigue. You’ll unwind in themed suites featuring double whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces, surrounded by historical decor that whispers stories of its former resident, Dr. Julius Bellin.
The prominent surgeon’s spirit reportedly still wanders these halls, adding an otherworldly dimension to your stay.
Experience the paranormal romance through:
- Private moments in your suite while ghostly legends unfold around you
- Intimate mornings with gourmet breakfast as Victorian spirits keep watch
- Exploring haunted corridors where Dr. Bellin’s presence creates spine-tingling encounters
This National Register property transforms ordinary getaways into supernatural adventures, where luxury meets mystery and you’re free to embrace the unknown.
The Karsten Hotel: Kewaunee’s Haunted Marina Lodging
Since 1913, Wisconsin’s most persistently haunted hotel has overlooked the shores of Lake Michigan from its brick facade on Ellis Street in Kewaunee.
For over a century, this haunted brick landmark has stood sentinel above Lake Michigan’s waters, harboring restless spirits within its historic walls.
The Hotel Karsten’s three resident spirits—owner William Karsten Sr., his five-year-old grandson Billy, and housekeeper Agatha—became active after 1966 renovations disturbed their domain. You’ll encounter spirit communication through whispered voices and phantom flute melodies echoing through hallways, while Billy’s footsteps race across upper floors.
Room 310, Agatha’s territory, offers particularly intense experiences with temperature fluctuations and moving furniture.
The hotel’s haunted artifacts include the restored 1913 reception desk and carved staircase, both catalysts for paranormal activity. The property underwent a comprehensive $750,000 restoration in 1991 that reconstructed Victorian-style details throughout. The 23-room arts and crafts building serves as an ideal base for exploring Door County and Green Bay attractions. Book one of twenty-three modernized rooms for investigation access, where orbs, apparitions, and unexplained photography anomalies await your documentation.
Scofield House B&B: Playful Ghost Child in Sturgeon Bay
Rising from Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay’s historic district, the 1902 Scofield House commands attention with its five-color Victorian Queen Anne facade and intricate gingerbread trim. Built by hardware magnate and mayor Bert Scofield, this fifteen-room mansion balances historical preservation with modern comfort.
You’ll discover beveled crystal windows, inlaid oak floors, and original paneling while enjoying WiFi and whirlpool tubs.
The ghostly legends center on a playful child spirit who moves objects and giggles through the halls. Current innkeepers Karl and Janet Bethke welcome paranormal enthusiasts year-round.
What makes Scofield House extraordinary:
- Six luxurious guest rooms including the 900-square-foot Room-at-the-Top suite
- Gourmet breakfasts accommodating your dietary preferences
- Walking distance to downtown’s independent shops and waterfront restaurants
This AAA three-diamond property earned Travelers’ Choice recognition and 4.9/5 ratings.
Old Baraboo Inn: Al Capone’s Favorite Haunted Saloon
Step into the Old Baraboo Inn, where Al Capone and his gang once drank bootleg whiskey during Prohibition, and you’ll find their spirits never checked out.
This 1864 boarding house-turned-speakeasy earned its spot on Food Network’s top ten most haunted places in America, with investigators capturing Capone’s voice on EVP recordings in the very back bar where he conducted criminal business.
Today, owner B.C. Farr welcomes ghost hunters to experience the mobster hauntings firsthand, while staff report glasses sliding across the bar and piano music echoing from empty upstairs rooms where gangsters once hid from the law.
Mobster History and Hauntings
Tucked across from Baraboo’s historic railroad depot, the Old Baraboo Inn has weathered 160 years of secrets—from its 1864 origins as a boarding house to its notorious transformation into a honky-tonk saloon and brothel.
During Prohibition, Al Capone regularly stopped here en route to his Couderay hideout, turning the Gangsters’ Back Bar into a speakeasy despite the 1929 police raid that padlocked its doors.
Today’s paranormal evidence includes Capone’s voice captured on EVP recordings during ghost tours. You’ll discover:
- Basement bullet holes and bloodstains from gangster confrontations
- Flying dishes and vanishing glasses that torment staff
- Piano music echoing through empty rooms at midnight
The haunted history runs deep—three murdered prostitutes and two former owners reportedly remain.
Mediums can’t handle the basement beyond 30 minutes.
Mary’s Ghostly Appearances Today
Among the spirits haunting the Old Baraboo Inn, one woman stands out—Mary, whose presence dominates the upper floors where ladies once entertained clients during the building’s brothel days.
You’ll hear unexplained piano music echoing through empty apartments at night, accompanied by feminine voices laughing and conversing in the darkness.
Staff report dishes flying from racks and brooms sweeping independently across kitchen floors—Mary’s restless energy refusing to fade.
During paranormal investigations, including visits from Ghost Adventure Crew members, researchers have captured compelling evidence of her manifestations.
While she’s no mythical creature from folklore, Mary‘s documented appearances rival any legend.
The inn’s haunted artifacts and architecture preserve her story, making this former speakeasy an authentic destination where you can encounter Wisconsin’s most active female spirit.
Planning Your Supernatural Stay: What to Expect
When you’re ready to trade your standard hotel stay for a night of potential paranormal encounters, Wisconsin’s haunted accommodations deliver atmospheric lodging where history and the supernatural intertwine. These century-old properties maintain modern amenities while embracing their spectral reputations—though ghostless guarantees don’t exist here.
Expect unexpected disturbances throughout your visit:
- Lights and faucets activating independently while you’re settled in rooms 210-215 at Karsten Hotel or room 717 at Hotel Retlaw
- Phantom footsteps and knocking echoing through hallways during late-night hours, particularly in attic room 314 at Hotel Chequamegon
- Apparitions in period clothing materializing briefly before vanishing through walls at Astor House
Rates range $75-$110 nightly at most locations.
Weekend ghost tours at properties like Old Baraboo Inn enhance your supernatural experience with documented evidence of otherworldly activity.
Tips for Ghost Hunting During Your Overnight Visit
Beyond simply checking in and hoping for a spectral encounter, you can actively investigate the paranormal activity at Wisconsin’s haunted hotels with proper preparation and technique.
Don’t just stay the night—come prepared to actively hunt for paranormal evidence in Wisconsin’s most haunted accommodations.
Pack essential paranormal equipment including EMF meters, digital voice recorders for capturing EVPs, and thermal cameras to identify cold spots. You’ll want flashlights with red filters to preserve your night vision while exploring darkened hallways where urban legends come alive.
Document everything with timestamps and location notes—that shadow figure in room 717 won’t wait for perfect lighting. Try the flashlight method for yes/no responses, or conduct EVP sessions in notorious hotspots like rooms 210-215.
Always investigate with a partner, inform staff of your whereabouts, and keep your phone charged. Review recordings afterward using audio software to distinguish genuine evidence from explainable phenomena.
Best Times to Visit Wisconsin’s Haunted Accommodations
Timing your visit to Wisconsin’s haunted hotels can dramatically amplify your paranormal experiences, with autumn emerging as the undisputed champion for supernatural encounters. Halloween approaches transform places like Old Rittenhouse Inn into supernatural hotspots, where ghost sightings spike and urban legends come alive through Bayfield Ghost Walk tours.
Fall Brew and Red Wine Weekends let you explore chilling shipwreck tales while enjoying seasonal packages.
Summer offers its own allure when historic haunts like Old Baraboo Inn buzz with tourists following Al Capone’s mobster trail.
Year-round, full moons intensify phenomena at Hotel Retlaw, where science fiction meets reality.
Peak Paranormal Seasons:
- October weekends: Murder mysteries and ghost hunts run late into darkness
- Summer evenings: Warm nights perfect for exploring Wisconsin’s haunted tourist country
- Full moon periods: Witness Hotel Hell’s otherworldly glow
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed to Stay at These Haunted Hotels and Inns?
Yes, you’ll find children are welcome at these haunted hotels and inns. Most offer family-friendly accommodations alongside their paranormal attractions, letting your whole crew experience haunted experiences together. No explicit age restrictions exist at these historic Wisconsin properties.
Do I Need to Book Ghost Tours Separately From Accommodations?
Like splitting a treasure map from the key, you’ll need to book ghost tour packages separately from your haunted hotel reservations. Wisconsin’s spooky stays don’t bundle experiences—you’re free to craft your own paranormal adventure independently.
What Should I Pack for a Ghost Hunting Overnight Stay?
Pack paranormal equipment like EMF meters and voice recorders, plus warm layers and flashlights. Bring spiritual artifacts for protection if desired. Don’t forget snacks, water, and a first-aid kit for your independent ghost-hunting adventure.
Are Pets Permitted at Wisconsin’s Haunted Bed and Breakfasts?
Pet policies vary widely at Wisconsin’s haunted architecture. You’ll find The Pfister Hotel welcomes dogs amid its ghostly legends, while some bed and breakfasts restrict pets. Always call ahead to confirm current policies before booking your supernatural adventure.
Can I Request a Non-Haunted Room if I’m Scared?
You can’t request non-haunted rooms at these properties—they’re all potentially active. However, you’ll find excellent room cleanliness and staff friendliness everywhere. Staff members happily share stories and reassure nervous guests throughout your supernatural adventure.
References
- https://www.rittenhouseinn.com/blog/haunted-places-in-wisconsin-near-bayfield
- https://upnorthnewswi.com/2024/10/02/book-a-stay-at-one-of-wisconsins-9-most-haunted-hotels-if-you-dare/
- https://www.wisconsinfrights.com/haunted-hotels/
- https://www.travelwisconsin.com/article/hotels-motels/haunted-wisconsin-10-historic-hotels-with-ghoulish-guests
- https://www.wisconsinhauntedhouses.com/real-haunts/hotels.aspx
- https://www.bumpinthenight.net/night-at-the-old-baraboo-inn
- https://www.airbnb.com/ghost-lake-wi/stays
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g59952-d477806-Reviews-Ghost_Lake_Lodge-Hayward_Wisconsin.html
- https://usghostadventures.com/cedarburg-ghost-tour/
- https://www.rittenhouseinn.com/blog/bed-and-breakfast-wisconsin
